Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-sign receiver Nic Demski to three-year extension

[ModAdmin]

......and here it is....

Winnipeg Blue Bombers re-sign receiver Nic Demski to three-year extension

WINNIPEG, MB., February 5, 2023 - The Winnipeg Blue Bombers announce today the club has re-signed receiver Nic Demski to a three-year contract extension, keeping him in Blue and Gold through 2025.

A born-and-bred Winnipegger and product of the University of Manitoba, Demski (5-11, 216) will be entering his fifth season with the Blue Bombers in 2023 after beginning his Canadian Football League career in 2015 as a first-round draft pick with the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

He first signed with Winnipeg as a free agent in 2018 and is coming off a 2022 season in which he set career bests despite missing five games. Demski finished ?22 with 64 receptions for 772 yards and 10 touchdowns - all the best numbers in his career - and in the process was named the Blue Bombers Most Outstanding Canadian Player for a second straight season and was also selected to the West Division All-Star Team.

In his four seasons with the Blue Bombers, Demski has 215 receptions for 2,523 yards and 20 touchdowns, while adding 633 yards and four more scores along the ground.

[the.inkster]

https://www.bluebombers.com/2023/02/05/blue-bombers-re-sign-receiver-nic-demski-to-three-year-extension/

[Jesse]

Ted Wyman @Ted_Wyman

I'm told Demski deal was done on Saturday night so he never got to the point where he could have taken advantage of the CFL's free agency negotiation window, which opened today at 11 a.m. CT. #Bombers #CFL

[Stretch]

THANK YOU GEEBUS!

[Blue In BC]

A 3 year deal locks him up to continue his on going success in Winnipeg. Takes away the annual worry about free agency. He'll retire eventually as a Bomber.

Great work by Walters over the last couple of days in particular.

[theaardvark]

Woot.

[Bluehawk]

Great news!!

[bludan]

Next signing I want to hear announced is Walters!

[GOLDMEMBER]

The boyz are certainly BACK IN TOWN! Super super stuff! Was there ever any doubt?

[GOLDMEMBER]

Bailey next would be nice but I am not getting my hopes up.

[pjrocksmb]

Key cog worth every penny

Agree on Bailey

[Jockitch]

Always a top performer who offers many additional looks for our offence

Wonderful, terrific signing             Well done Mr. Walters

[Nic16]

  !!!!

[Lincoln Locomotive]

Hallelujah the X-Factor is back in blue and gold!!   

[GOLDMEMBER]

Hallelujah the X-Factor is back in blue and gold!!   

Is he?

[TecnoGenius]

I think this is the signing this off season that makes me the happiest.  It really does.  Even more than the Zach signing for some strange reason.

And making it 3 years like Gittens: super awesome strategic move.  Show the player love and confidence, and surely some coin, and you get loyalty and performance.

3 years!!!  Woot woot.  Thanks NIC DEMSKI! (saying it like Milt stuttered it out a few years ago)

Now, does anyone have an whisper numbers on what it cost us...... over-Gittens or under-Gittens?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Glad he's back! Interested to see what the deal is worth, especially at 3 years, it's likely to be a pretty big commitment with guaranteed cash. Not sure where that leaves us salary cap wise. Perhaps this year more than ever we very likely have a lot of SMS tied up in a few players. Gotta hope those guys stay healthy and are effective.

[Jesse]

Jeff Hamilton says he's "hearing" that it averages 190K.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Jeff Hamilton says he's "hearing" that it averages 190K.

If so that's pretty fair and realistic. He should be 20-25k less than Gittens who was over 200k.

[Jesse]

If so that's pretty fair and realistic. He should be 20-25k less than Gittens who was over 200k.

It's exactly the limit of what I expected/hoped to pay.

[bwiser]

I think Demski and Darby signing were the last really key free agents that were a must sign. I would like to see Bailey back as well especially with the uncertainty of Shoen right now but we do have some options if Bailey doesn't return.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

I think Demski and Darby signing were the last really key free agents that were a must sign. I would like to see Bailey back as well especially with the uncertainty of Shoen right now but we do have some options if Bailey doesn't return.

At this point I think Walters waits for Schoen to make up his mind before spending anymore money on receivers.  If he comes back they will likely bump him up above what Bailey is asking, which could make it difficult to bump up Rasheed.  If Bailey leaves I have fully expect Agudosi steps in as a starter, he's paid his dues and deserves his chance.

[pjrocksmb]

I think this is the signing this off season that makes me the happiest.  It really does.  Even more than the Zach signing for some strange reason.

And making it 3 years like Gittens: super awesome strategic move.  Show the player love and confidence, and surely some coin, and you get loyalty and performance.

3 years!!!  Woot woot.  Thanks NIC DEMSKI! (saying it like Milt stuttered it out a few years ago)

Now, does anyone have an whisper numbers on what it cost us...... over-Gittens or under-Gittens?

He is so easy to love.

I am curious if he got any guaranteed $.

[Jesse]

He is so easy to love.

I am curious if he got any guaranteed $.

I'm almost certain he did.

[GOLDMEMBER]

At this point I think Walters waits for Schoen to make up his mind before spending anymore money on receivers.  If he comes back they will likely bump him up above what Bailey is asking, which could make it difficult to bump up Rasheed.  If Bailey leaves I have fully expect Agudosi steps in as a starter, he's paid his dues and deserves his chance.

Absolutely as long as Agudosi can stay healthy!

[Horseman]

Absolutely as long as Agudosi can stay healthy!

Yes, I am excited to see Agudosi this year, hopefully he can stay healthy.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Correct me if I am wrong but Agudosi was hurt then played a couple games, including that monster Calgary game, but then got hurt again for the balance of the year?

[Blue In BC]

Correct me if I am wrong but Agudosi was hurt then played a couple games, including that monster Calgary game, but then got hurt again for the balance of the year?

He only played 1 and a part games before getting injured. His injury history has not been good. Unfortunate or prone IDK. Showed well in the one full game.

[blue_or_die]

He is so easy to love.

I am curious if he got any guaranteed $.

With the new vet guaranteed money rule, any long term deal (by CFL standards) we can assume includes guaranteed $

[blue_gold_84]

What fantastic news!

[GOLDMEMBER]

He only played 1 and a part games before getting injured. His injury history has not been good. Unfortunate or prone IDK. Showed well in the one full game.

righty O

He only played 1 game really but boy was it a good one.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Imagine how difficult it would be for a DC to defend against Demski, Schoen and Agudosi in the redzone, they have no need for Lawler or Lewis.

[theaardvark]

Correct me if I am wrong but Agudosi was hurt then played a couple games, including that monster Calgary game, but then got hurt again for the balance of the year?

Yup... have to wonder if that frame just isn't made for football... 6'6, 217... and he's 29 now...

Maybe he has a great year...

[pjrocksmb]

With the new vet guaranteed money rule, any long term deal (by CFL standards) we can assume includes guaranteed $

Thanks

[TecnoGenius]

Jeff Hamilton says he's "hearing" that it averages 190K.

Very pricey for a WFC WR/SB.  But Demski is a special case, and fits with what we need to do right now.  Totally worth it.

If Bailey leaves I have fully expect Agudosi steps in as a starter, he's paid his dues and deserves his chance.

Ya, Agudosi might be the next big thing.  It was 2 TDs he got in his one game, IIRC (which is crazy insane, and really helped my fantasy that week).  He was unstoppable in the EZ.  Much like Eric Rogers, you just can't defend such a tall body that can also climb the ladder.  He can probably catch wire balls that are 9' up in the air.

[blue_gold_84]

Very pricey for a WFC WR/SB.  But Demski is a special case, and fits with what we need to do right now.  Totally worth it.

It's a great deal considering his passport, his versatility, and leadership. Being a hometown boy only sweetens the deal.

[TecnoGenius]

I guess this means Demski gets 2nd billing only to Zach when they do IGF O player introductions??  Who 4 years ago would have pegged Demski to be our #1 receiver, and being more important than the RB?

[the paw]

I guess this means Demski gets 2nd billing only to Zach when they do IGF O player introductions??  Who 4 years ago would have pegged Demski to be our #1 receiver, and being more important than the RB?

You are behind on the news.  Lawler's coming back, he's #1, and Schoen led the league last year, so you have to put him at #3.  Demski brings a lot of intangibles and warm fuzzies to go along with his skill set, but I would be surprised if he surpassed either of those in production. 

[Sir Blue and Gold]

You are behind on the news.  Lawler's coming back, he's #1, and Schoen led the league last year, so you have to put him at #3.  Demski brings a lot of intangibles and warm fuzzies to go along with his skill set, but I would be surprised if he surpassed either of those in production. 

Demski is easily the number 3 target and depending on camp/how Agudosi works out could be 4.

People love Demski because he's Canadian and therefore more important due to the rules but if you compare output he is basically on par with the Rasheed Bailey/Markeith Ambles type guys.

It's fine and even great when you are taking about Canadian receivers but it is still just that.

[TecnoGenius]

You are behind on the news.  Lawler's coming back, he's #1, and Schoen led the league last year, so you have to put him at #3.  Demski brings a lot of intangibles and warm fuzzies to go along with his skill set, but I would be surprised if he surpassed either of those in production. 

Missed it by just a few posts!  The order to the IGF pre-game announcements doesn't always follow production, or $$.  I always found it interesting what they do on D, with the changes in order between Bighill/Willie.

Demski is the hometown hero and now the 2nd highest paid receiver.  If for some reason he also ends up leading the O in TDs I could see Demski taking #2 spot in announcement order.

[TecnoGenius]

People love Demski because he's Canadian and therefore more important due to the rules but if you compare output he is basically on par with the Rasheed Bailey/Markeith Ambles type guys.

It's fine and even great when you are taking about Canadian receivers but it is still just that.

Are you nuts?  Comparing Demski to Ambles and Bailey??  Did you see all the explosions and TDs Demski pulled off last season?  Watched his post-season play?  His very respectable stats on the ground?

You can say some things about Demski, but not that he's Ambles/Bailey, both of whom will command under $150k on the FA market.

[Jesse]

Are you nuts?  Comparing Demski to Ambles and Bailey??  Did you see all the explosions and TDs Demski pulled off last season?  Watched his post-season play?  His very respectable stats on the ground?

You can say some things about Demski, but not that he's Ambles/Bailey, both of whom will command under $150k on the FA market.

His production is virtually identical to those two players. And Bailey is a tenacious run blocker (who has played every game the last two years).

I love Demksi, but you exaggerate his impact like crazy. 

[TecnoGenius]

I love Demksi, but you exaggerate his impact like crazy. 

Here's the thing, you know part of the reason why Schoen was always getting open for all those TDs?  Demski taking double coverage on many/most plays.

If we have Demski/Lawler/Schoen/Agudosi/Woli then D's are doomed.  We'll look like 2009 Alouettes.

We might continue our 2022 transition from being a D-dominant team to an O-dominant team.

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Are you nuts?  Comparing Demski to Ambles and Bailey??  Did you see all the explosions and TDs Demski pulled off last season?  Watched his post-season play?  His very respectable stats on the ground?

You can say some things about Demski, but not that he's Ambles/Bailey, both of whom will command under $150k on the FA market.

Demski would absolutely be worth about what Bailey is if he weren't Canadian. That's undoubtedly a fact. We will see what the future holds I guess. He's never been close to a 1000 yard receiver and other than his career year for TD grabs in 2022 (10), his next best year is 2021 at 4 TD receptions and 1 TD run. Usually he's good for about 5 TDs a season. I doubt the 2022 TD numbers are sustainable but I suppose that's what makes the game fun to watch - I'm looking forward to finding out. He's a good player with a cool Winnipeg story for sure. I can see why you love him but with a more neutral perspective I think he is absolutely comparable to that mid tier import receiver.

[TecnoGenius]

Demski would absolutely be worth about what Bailey is if he weren't Canadian. That's undoubtedly a fact. We will see what the future holds I guess. He's never been close to a 1000 yard receiver and other than his career year for TD grabs in 2022 (10), his next best year is 2021 at 4 TD receptions and 1 TD run.

I'm trying hard to see it your way, and for moments I can say "ya ok" -- Demski an IMP == Bailey $$... But then I really think about it and I still think you are wrong.  Taking the WPG out of it, taking the NAT out of it... Is Demski a CFL top-10 receiver by impact (not necessarily stats)?  I would think many in the league would say "yes".  Now how about top-5?  I might say yes, again (especially after Burnham leaving).  If not top-5, he's close.

And would you agree he's CFL top-1 NAT receiver?  I would.  Certainly top-2.  Would you rather have Gittens?  Not me.

No one who wants to lump Demski in with middling-receivers has explained why so many teams' "keys to the game" in 2022 were "stop Demski".  Not a single article was written in 2022 that said "stop Schoen", or "stop Ellingson".  No, it was always "stop Demski".  So, explain it if you want to convince me Demski==Bailey.

Literally the only fault I can find for Demski at the moment is he's not a bruiser that can take the punishing catch across the middle flat (that's Bailey).  But it's a minor quibble because he can blow you up in nearly every other way.

[Lincoln Locomotive]

Demski is top shelf as our offensive X-Factor.   He's a running back who can catch the ball and beat coverage.     His versatility is beyond compare and Buck uses his abilities to give our offence so many more options.    The fact he's a Canadian AND.a Winnipeg boy just make him special as a player.   No other team in the CFL can claim to have two native sons as legit all stars.....so yeah he's keyed on when it comes to stopping our O which opens up other receivers.....IE Schoen.   
If we  get Schoen back and Agudosi our offence will be scary especially after signing Lawler.    Who do you key on now if you're an opposition DC?   We also have a legit 1000 yard Canadian RB who can catch the ball....then throw in Janarion Grant now and then on Jet sweeps.
We are lucky to have Demski and I agree with Techno that he is worth every penny and was so happy he signed a long term deal with us!!!

[Sir Blue and Gold]

I'm trying hard to see it your way, and for moments I can say "ya ok" -- Demski an IMP == Bailey $$... But then I really think about it and I still think you are wrong.  Taking the WPG out of it, taking the NAT out of it... Is Demski a CFL top-10 receiver by impact (not necessarily stats)?  I would think many in the league would say "yes".  Now how about top-5?  I might say yes, again (especially after Burnham leaving).  If not top-5, he's close.

And would you agree he's CFL top-1 NAT receiver?  I would.  Certainly top-2.  Would you rather have Gittens?  Not me.

No one who wants to lump Demski in with middling-receivers has explained why so many teams' "keys to the game" in 2022 were "stop Demski".  Not a single article was written in 2022 that said "stop Schoen", or "stop Ellingson".  No, it was always "stop Demski".  So, explain it if you want to convince me Demski==Bailey.

Literally the only fault I can find for Demski at the moment is he's not a bruiser that can take the punishing catch across the middle flat (that's Bailey).  But it's a minor quibble because he can blow you up in nearly every other way.

Kurleigh Gittens Jr. put up 1101 yards last year in his third season in the CFL and second season as a starter. Demski has been in the league 7 seasons and his best year was last year w/ 772. As for this notion that you remember articles and therefore he's worth more is strange logic. Who wrote the articles? Are you sure that that's proof that defensive coordinators would rather stop Demski over Schoen or Elliingson?

[Jesse]

Kurleigh Gittens Jr. put up 1101 yards last year in his third season in the CFL and second season as a starter. Demski has been in the league 7 seasons and his best year was last year w/ 772. As for this notion that you remember articles and therefore he's worth more is strange logic. Who wrote the articles? Are you sure that that's proof that defensive coordinators would rather stop Demski over Schoen or Elliingson?

Yeah, the idea of using beat reporters "keys to the game" as proof of a players' value doesn't do much for me.

Demski will be our 4th option in our offence, behind Lawler, Schoen, and Brady. An incredibly valuable part of our offence, as we're a pretty balanced attack, but not the single most important player that teams plan around.

[Throw Long Bannatyne]

Yeah, the idea of using beat reporters "keys to the game" as proof of a players' value doesn't do much for me.

Demski will be our 4th option in our offence, behind Lawler, Schoen, and Brady. An incredibly valuable part of our offence, as we're a pretty balanced attack, but not the single most important player that teams plan around.

Demski is a wild-card, always good to have one in your deck, he makes unexpected things happen.

[Jesse]

Demski is a wild-card, always good to have one in your deck, he makes unexpected things happen.

Yup, love him to death. Happy as a clam he's on our team.

[theaardvark]

Kurleigh Gittens Jr. put up 1101 yards last year in his third season in the CFL and second season as a starter. Demski has been in the league 7 seasons and his best year was last year w/ 772. As for this notion that you remember articles and therefore he's worth more is strange logic. Who wrote the articles? Are you sure that that's proof that defensive coordinators would rather stop Demski over Schoen or Elliingson?

Gittens was in this REC Corps

RK   Date   NAME   Team   GP   REC   ATT   YARDS   YAC   AVG   LG   TD   30
1   2022   GITTENS JR., Kurleigh   TOR   17   81   116   1101   483   13.6   70   5   4
2   2022   DANIELS, DaVaris   TOR   15   61   85   860   257   14.1   54   4   6
3   2022   AMBLES, Markeith   TOR   17   72   109   737   345   10.2   37   5   5
4   2022   BANKS, Brandon   TOR   15   37   75   522   126   14.1   53   4   3
5   2022   PHILLIPS, Cameron   TOR   11   38   60   515   205   13.6   55   3   3

Demski in this:

RK   Date   NAME   Team   GP   REC   ATT   YARDS   YAC   AVG   LG   TD   30
1   2022   SCHOEN, Dalton   WPG   18   70   108   1441   368   20.6   81   16   12
2   2022   DEMSKI, Nic   WPG   13   64   86   772   238   12.1   50   10   5
3   2022   BAILEY, Rasheed   WPG   18   63   95   729   238   11.6   36   9   3
4   2022   ELLINGSON, Greg   WPG   8   38   50   598   109   15.7   46   3   2
5   2022   WOLITARSKY, Drew   WPG   14   36   49   471   84   13.1   41   1   2

Demski, in 4 fewer games, had twice the TD's, and 1 more 30+ catch... and 130 more rushing yards.

I'm liking his all around game as well, including blocking, in the backfield and downfield.  Not sure what Gittens does in that part of the game...

[TecnoGenius]

Kurleigh Gittens Jr. put up 1101 yards last year in his third season in the CFL and second season as a starter. Demski has been in the league 7 seasons and his best year was last year w/ 772. As for this notion that you remember articles and therefore he's worth more is strange logic. Who wrote the articles? Are you sure that that's proof that defensive coordinators would rather stop Demski over Schoen or Elliingson?

Does Ed Tait just write our keys to the game out of his butt?  Or does he get inside views and chats with players and DCs that we don't?  Pretty sure during practices and chats Tait is nearby.  He is paid by WFC, after all.  I'm sure the other teams each have a similar guy.  Those are the articles I was talking about.

It's a fair point, and you could be right.  But do you really think those reporters are ignorant to the reality, or not privy to the skinny?  Depends on how much you value Ed Tait et al, I guess.

Maybe all the house reporters just have a love-on for Demski!!   

P.S. You skirted the yes/no questions: would you rather have Gittens or Demski?  Quoting stats still doesn't answer the question. 

[Sir Blue and Gold]

Does Ed Tait just write our keys to the game out of his butt?  Or does he get inside views and chats with players and DCs that we don't?  Pretty sure during practices and chats Tait is nearby.  He is paid by WFC, after all.  I'm sure the other teams each have a similar guy.  Those are the articles I was talking about.

It's a fair point, and you could be right.  But do you really think those reporters are ignorant to the reality, or not privy to the skinny?  Depends on how much you value Ed Tait et al, I guess.

Maybe all the house reporters just have a love-on for Demski!!   

P.S. You skirted the yes/no questions: would you rather have Gittens or Demski?  Quoting stats still doesn't answer the question. 

I didn't mean to skirt the question. For one, Ed Tait is an in-house reporter. He's not a coach and I don't believe coordinators read his articles for clues on how to defend the Bombers offence (but that's just me).  I would rather have Gittens for a variety of reasons. He's a younger, more talented receiver for one. Demski is a great player in the Canadian context, a fine player overall, don't get me wrong. Not trying to slander the dude. He's from Winnipeg and resonates with fans and that's probably worth something too. I believe that a) his 10 TDs is an anomaly and won't be repeated; and b) as a sub 1000 yard receiver he is very much in the 'fine' but not 'premier' class when it comes to receivers overall. I think $190,000 is an overpay for the production and there's no way he gets close to that without the right passport.

[theaardvark]

I didn't mean to skirt the question. For one, Ed Tait is an in-house reporter. He's not a coach and I don't believe coordinators read his articles for clues on how to defend the Bombers offence (but that's just me).  I would rather have Gittens for a variety of reasons. He's a younger, more talented receiver for one. Demski is a great player in the Canadian context, a fine player overall, don't get me wrong. Not trying to slander the dude. He's from Winnipeg and resonates with fans and that's probably worth something too. I believe that a) his 10 TDs is an anomaly and won't be repeated; and b) as a sub 1000 yard receiver he is very much in the 'fine' but not 'premier' class when it comes to receivers overall. I think $190,000 is an overpay for the production and there's no way he gets close to that without the right passport.

Gittens as a pure WR probably has the edge, sure.  But that's not all Demski brings, and the other aspects make him well worth the SMS$ spend.  Rather have Sayles, Couture or Demski?  Demski will make a bigger impact, and is the same or less SMS$

We got good value in the Demski contract, and getting it on paper for 3years, doubly so.

[blue_gold_84]

Demski is more of a gadget/hybrid receiver, where Gittens is more of a traditional receiver. As a pure receiver, Gittens has the advantage. As a versatile receiver, Demski has the advantage. Their NAT status is a wash. Both are back-to-back all-stars; also a wash.

Demski and Gittens are pretty hard to compare apples to apples, IMO.

Also: stats alone don't tell the whole story.

[theaardvark]

Demski is more of a gadget/hybrid receiver, where Gittens is more of a traditional receiver. As a pure receiver, Gittens has the advantage. As a versatile receiver, Demski has the advantage. Their NAT status is a wash. Both are back-to-back all-stars; also a wash.

Demski and Gittens are pretty hard to compare apples to apples, IMO.

Also: stats alone don't tell the whole story.

Unfortunately, they don't keep stats on blocking...  or on drawing coverage... or on breaking coverage... things Demski does that do not show up on a stats sheet...

[blue_or_die]

I think Nic Demski is our #3 receiver only because Lawler and Schoen are so uber talented.

I am also very intrigued and hopeful for Agudosi, but we shouldn't use the superficial stats against Demski and then at the same time pump Agudosi up based on the 1 or 2 games or whatever where he was actually healthy. If Nic were healthy all year, his 772 yards in 13 games extrapolates to over 1000 in a season if folks are still using that as the main benchmark these days.

[TecnoGenius]

Ed Tait is an in-house reporter. He's not a coach and I don't believe coordinators read his articles for clues on how to defend the Bombers offence (but that's just me).  I would rather have Gittens for a variety of reasons.

You got it backwards, again.  It's not that DCs read their house reporter for ideas, it's that their house reporter gets to hear and watch their DCs.  So whoever is the house reporter in SSK sees their team and DC talk and plan around Demski and then goes and writes their "Keys To The Game" and says Demski is a key.

Again, see my Tait example.  Is Tait just a lucky fan who gets a cushy gig writing made up nonsense from his imagination sitting in his basement all day all summer long, or is he an "insider" present at IGF who is allowed to spill some of the beans to us fans?

[Sir Blue and Gold]

You got it backwards, again.  It's not that DCs read their house reporter for ideas, it's that their house reporter gets to hear and watch their DCs.  So whoever is the house reporter in SSK sees their team and DC talk and plan around Demski and then goes and writes their "Keys To The Game" and says Demski is a key.

Again, see my Tait example.  Is Tait just a lucky fan who gets a cushy gig writing made up nonsense from his imagination sitting in his basement all day all summer long, or is he an "insider" present at IGF who is allowed to spill some of the beans to us fans?

Okay, have it your way. Demski went into negotiations citing the number of times he was covered in Ed Tait's "keys to the game" segment.

[GOLDMEMBER]

Oh you 2 LOL

[TecnoGenius]

Okay, have it your way. Demski went into negotiations citing the number of times he was covered in Ed Tait's "keys to the game" segment.

Argh, you got it backwards again!  It's the other-teams' house reporters touting Demski!  Argh

But thank you, I'll take the W   

Oh you 2 LOL

We aim to amuse.  Cheers Goldie!